In the days when comprehensive schools were rigidly streamed, I taught in one as general subjects teacher with the lowest ability groups.
One year I taught history, English and maths to a smallish class in the eighth stream out of eight. I got to know those kids pretty well. Some drove me nuts, but on the whole I liked them.
I was their teacher almost in a primary school sense and we followed the road where it led. Along the way I learned that these so-called less able youngsters had hidden qualities of personality, wit, creativity, resourcefulness and sheer effrontery.
And so it was that one day I had this magical encounter with Dave Thomson, aged 14 (not his real name, and he’ll be an adult family man now).
Register now, read forever
Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.
What's included:
-
Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast
-
New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday
Already have an account? Sign in here